Audi A1 Quattro prototype makes its debut in the snow
By Andrew, 11 Jan, 2011. 0 Comments
Audi A1 Quattro Prototype
It appears that Audi will also equip the small A1 hatchback with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system as the German manufacturer revealed a one-off development car at the ‘Fascination of quattro’ event, taking place in Montreal. According to Audi, the new A1 carries a very similar Quattro system used by the A3 and TT models. This means that at its core is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle for an optimized distribution of weight.
Inside, there is a package of plates that rotate in an oil bath. What is really interesting is that the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels during normal driving, but when the front axle loses grip, the clutch can instantly transfer torque to the rear axle by forcing the plate packages together.
In order to help the electric pump to develop the necessary oil pressure, a pressure reservoir has been installed. Currently, the A1 offers a choice of ten front-wheel-driven models, powered by the 1.2-litre TFSI (86PS) and 1.4-litre TFSI (122PS) petrol engines as well as by a 1.6-litre TDI (105PS) diesel engine. The Quattro system is already offered in over 120 variants in the Audi line-up, but it appears that sooner than expected we will also see this system on the A1.
Gallery: Audi A1 Quattro Prototype
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